Council approves ads for police post

MATTAWA - The Mattawa City Council approved advertisements for the position of police chief at its last meeting on Oct. 4.

The ads became necessary after former Chief Steve Jensen resigned at the end of September. He had been on paid leave for about two months while his department was under audit.

The council also approved the purchase of three safes for the police department, a suggestion that came out of that same audit.

In addition, the council approved six job descriptions, including for police chief, police officer and police records clerk. The other three are for the city clerk's office.

In other business, the council accepted the resignation of council member Vicente Acosta. He has moved to the Yakima Valley.

At the same time, Diane Martinez has returned from the Yakima Valley. She left a city hall position about a year ago and will return to city hall employment.

Public Works Director Gary Crowder told the council his department has started to winterize the city park.

Citizen Cecil Mellinger asked the council for annexation of 70 acres he owns north of the park. City Clerk Robin Newcomb said the council will expect a resolution to that effect at its next meeting on Oct. 18.